Taungoo (, also known as
Toungoo) is a city in the
Bago Division of
Myanmar, located 220 km from
Yangon, towards the northern end of the division, with mountain ranges to both east and west. The main industry is in
forestry products, with
teak and other
hardwoods extracted from the mountains. The city is also known for its
areca palms, to the extent that a
Burmese proverb for unexpected good fortune is equated to a "
betel lover winning a trip to Taungoo".
History
Taungoo was founded in 1279 in the waning days of
Pagan as part of frontier expansion southwards. Taungoo became part of the
Ava kingdom in the mid-14th century but broke away from Ava in early 16th century under King
Mingyinyo, who founded the
Taungoo dynasty. In the 16th century, Taungoo kings
Tabinshwehti and
Bayinnaung went on to found the largest empire in the history of Southeast Asia.
In 1599,
Natshinnaung, sub-king of Taungoo, revolted against King
Nanda. Natshinnaung in collaboration with the
Arakanese forces aided by Portuguese mercenaries sacked the Taungoo dynasty's capital
Pegu, and executed Nanda. In 1613, Natshinnaung himself was captured and executed by King
Anaukpetlun for his collaboration with the Portuguese.
With the death of Natshinnaug, the line of Taungoo kings that dated back to the late 13th century also ended.
Although few visible historic remains survive, all four sides of the brick city wall remain from the dynastic period, with the exception of the part of the southern wall. The 9.6 m wide
moat has largely dried up, except for a section on the eastern side, which is still maintained.
Administration
- Taungoo District Peace and Development Council - Six Townships
- Taungoo Township Peace and Development Council
- Taungoo Ward Peace and Development Council - 22 Wards
- District and Township Immigration Dept
- Myanmar Timber Enterprise
- District and Township Education Dept
- District and Township Forestry Dept
- Taungoo Correctional Dept. Taungoo Prison
- Myanmar Television Sub-station
- Myawady Television Sub-station
- Union Solidarity and Development Association
- Myanmar Maternal Children’s Welfare Association
- Myanmar Women’s Affair Federation
- Division 5 Railways Office
- Taungoo Township and District Courts
Emergency
- No.1 Police Station Taungoo - 199
- No.2 Police Station Taungoo - 199
- No.5 Railways Police Force
- Taungoo Motor Vehicle Police Station
- District Fire Station - 191
- Township Fire Station - 192
- Myanmar Red Cross Society - Ambulance
Military
- Southern Command - Kaytu Myothit
- Amoury Division - Oak Twin
- Artillery Division - Oak Twin
- Police Battalion, Taungoo - Traning School
Investigation
- Military Intelligence No.3
- Special Intelligence (Special Branch) SB
- Bureau of special investigations (BSI)
Demographics
The eastern portion of Taungoo district is home to many
Karen.
- Karen (Kayin)- Second Largest Population
Religion
The majority of residents are
Theravada Buddhists, followed by
Baptist and
Roman Catholic Christians. Taungoo is home to a number of Karen Christian association headquarters.
There are 15 Churches in Taungoo.
Transport
Taungoo is served by a station on the main north line of
Myanmar Railways. Recommend-(6down and 5up Express, Dagon-Man Express, Naypyidaw Express and Special Express).
- Taungoo Highway Bus Station (Gandawin Express, Yoma Express, RTA, Bayinnaung Express)
- Hydro Transport - Waterways (Motor Boat)
There are two main bridges:
Sittaung Bridge and
Kaphaung Bridge.
Lodging
- Mother's House Guest House
Thantaung which is in the Karen state is not far from Taungoo. You can go there by train or by bus. It costs 1330 Ks to go by train in upper class and nearly 2800 Ks by bus.There are three bus lines: Shan Ma Lay, Gandawin, and Yoma. It takes at least six hours to go by bus or train. Between East bank and West Bank there is a Sittaung River.
Education
Taungoo has six high schools.
Healthcare
- Taungoo Railways Hospital
Major sites
